PT Kiwanis Club

Set aside funds for children’s programs

Posted

Have you ever wanted to solve a murder mystery and enjoy a delicious catered dinner at the same time? Perhaps with co-workers or good friends to begin December’s holiday celebrations?

There’s a good opportunity to do just that and help raise funds for local children’s programs with the Kiwanis Club of Port Townsend at its annual Dinner and a Murder show, which will be held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in the Oscar Erickson Building at the Jefferson County fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St.

This year’s performance, “Where Everybody Wants You Dead,” a takeoff on the TV show “Cheers,” features the PT Mystery Players. The evening includes a catered dinner by Thysen & Debi Scott of God Bless Food, a cash bar, socializing, solving the mystery and perhaps being held hostage for fundraising purposes — all in good fun.

The annual show is a great place for businesses to plan their 2018 holiday party. Tables may be reserved by contacting David and Mary Crozier, chairs of the Kiwanis committee, at 360-531-0200 or maryc@ptpc.com. Tickets cost $55 and are available through Nov. 23 at brownpapertickets.com. Proceeds benefit the club’s programs and OlyCAP.

Toys for Tots, another well-known program, is beginning soon in our area. Kiwanians are child-focused, and there is no better time to help the children of the world than at the holidays.

Locally, Kiwanis members work with several agencies to help provide food and gifts. Unlike large cities where the Marine Corps Reserve runs Toys for Tots, a local organization like ours takes it on in rural counties. Kiwanians have placed Toys for Tots collection boxes in businesses to collect new, unwrapped toys for Jefferson County children until Dec. 14.

The club’s fifth annual Fill the Bus with Toys for Tots Day, in partnership with Jefferson Transit, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 on Sims Way in the triangle parking area next to Port Townsend Garden Center and in front of the Chamber of Commerce. New, unwrapped toys and cash will be collected to support many projects, including Christmas for Children, foster children, Wounded Warrior, Dove House, Jumping Mouse and others.

Marine Corps recruiters and members will be in attendance with Santa, the Kiwanis members and other volunteers. The Mo’Chili food truck will again offer products for sale, and proceeds will go to Toys for Tots.

Also on Dec. 1, the Kiwanis Choo-Choo, all dressed up and lit, will provide Santa’s ride into Port Townsend for the Main Street tree lighting. Rides on the Choo Choo will be offered again this year in conjunction with the Port Townsend Main Street Program on Dec. 8 and 15.

The Kiwanis Club is proud to partner with the Christmas for Children program to provide hands-on support by helping to get boxes of gifts ready for families who register with Christmas for Children. Registration closed Nov. 15. Tags were posted on Giving Trees around the county Nov. 19 for residents to select and purchase gifts. For more information, visit www.christmas4children.com.

There are always fun things going on with the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club to keep members busy. Everyone is welcome to join us. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in serving our communities. To obtain information about the club, visit www.ptkiwanis.org or email porttownsendkiwanis@gmail.com.